What to Compare
Compare Hurricane Shutters and Plywood Boarding using upfront cost, storm prep time, repeated use. Check the exact product or local service proposal, then request matching written terms before choosing for your Florida home. Use the differences below to identify the questions that matter for your project.
Head-to-Head Breakdown
Hurricane Shutters
Features and considerations
- Ready to deploy in minutes — no hardware store runs before storms
- Meets Miami-Dade NOA standards for tested wind protection
- Multiple options: accordion (most convenient), roll-down (automated), panel
- Permanent investment that adds to home value
- Available for all opening types including doors and skylights
Limits and questions
- Accordion and roll-down shutters require professional installation
- Panel shutters require physical installation before each storm
- Reduces natural light when deployed
- Requires maintenance — lubrication, cleaning, and occasional repair
Plywood Boarding
Features and considerations
- Available at hardware stores (though often sold out pre-storm)
- Can be stored flat in garage between uses
Limits and questions
- Labor-intensive — requires cutting, drilling, and hanging before every storm
- Hardware stores often run out of plywood before major storms
- Does NOT meet Florida Building Code as an approved opening protection
- Degrades with each use — warps, splits, and loses effectiveness
- Offers no protection against flying debris penetrating the wood itself
- Disposal challenge after each use
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Hurricane Shutters | Plywood Boarding | |
|---|---|---|
| Factor | Hurricane Shutters | Plywood |
| Insurance discount | Ask the Hurricane Shutters provider to document current quote and terms for the exact offer. | Ask the Plywood Boarding provider to document current quote and terms for the exact offer. |
| Upfront cost (whole house) | Request an itemized quote for Hurricane Shutters; compare the same scope and payment period. | Request an itemized quote for Plywood Boarding; compare the same scope and payment period. |
| Storm prep time | 15–60 minutes | 4–12+ hours |
| FL Building Code compliant | Ask the Hurricane Shutters provider to document current quote and terms for the exact offer. | Ask the Plywood Boarding provider to document current quote and terms for the exact offer. |
| Repeated use | Indefinite | Degrades after 1–3 uses |
| Current quote | Ask the Hurricane Shutters provider to document current quote and terms for the exact offer. | Ask the Plywood Boarding provider to document current quote and terms for the exact offer. |
| Debris protection | Tested/rated | Untested/unrated |
| Availability pre-storm | Ask the Hurricane Shutters provider to document availability pre-storm for the exact offer. | Ask the Plywood Boarding provider to document availability pre-storm for the exact offer. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does plywood qualify for Florida homeowner's insurance discounts?
Florida's wind mitigation credit program only credits opening protection that meets specific standards, including Miami-Dade or Florida Product Approval certifications. Plywood does not meet these standards and provides no insurance benefit. Only approved shutters (accordion, roll-down, panel/Bahama) and impact-resistant windows/doors qualify.
What type of hurricane shutters are most popular in Florida?
Accordion shutters are the most popular choice in Florida — they fold neatly to the sides of windows and deploy quickly without tools. Roll-down (motorized) shutters are preferred for large openings and luxury homes. Panel shutters (corrugated aluminum or steel) are the most affordable approved option and popular for secondary homes or budget-conscious buyers. Bahama shutters (decorative) are popular in coastal areas where aesthetics matter.
Are hurricane shutters required by Florida law?
Not required for existing homes. Post-hurricane Ian (2022), there's growing momentum in some Florida counties toward requiring approved shutters on all homes.
Consumer resources
Use these official resources when evaluating an offer. They provide general guidance and do not establish a winner between these options.
- FTC: checking home-repair offers and written agreements — General consumer guidance; not evidence of either brand's price or performance.